substantial-gainful-activity Archives * flexco.com

2025 SSDI SGA Limit: Everything You Need to Know

Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may be concerned about the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which determines their eligibility for benefits. In 2025, the SGA limit is set to increase significantly, potentially affecting many SSDI recipients. Understanding the implications of this change and its impact on benefits is crucial for individuals relying on SSDI income.

The 2025 SGA limit adjustment is a result of the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Social Security benefits. The COLA is intended to keep pace with inflation and ensure that benefits retain their purchasing power. However, the substantial increase in the SGA limit has raised concerns among SSDI recipients, as it could potentially affect their eligibility for benefits and access to healthcare coverage.

Individuals earning above the SGA limit may lose their SSDI benefits. The SGA limit for 2025 is set at $1,820 per month for individuals who are not blind and $2,260 per month for blind individuals. If an SSDI recipient earns above these limits, their benefits may be suspended or terminated. Additionally, SSDI recipients who lose their benefits due to exceeding the SGA limit may also lose access to Medicare coverage, which provides essential health insurance for individuals with disabilities. Understanding the potential impact of the 2025 SGA limit is critical for SSDI recipients to plan for the future and make informed decisions regarding their work activities and financial situation.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Definition of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is a term used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to describe the level of work activity at which someone should be able to support themself financially and is not considered disabled. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals.

The SSA considers a variety of factors when determining whether someone is engaged in SGA, including the type of work performed, the amount of time spent working, and the earnings received. If someone’s earnings exceed the SGA limit, they are considered to be engaged in SGA and are not eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

However, there are some exceptions to the SGA rule. For example, someone who is blind and earns less than the SGA limit may still be eligible for benefits if they meet other eligibility requirements.

SGA Limits for 2025

The SGA limits for 2025 are as follows:

	Non-blind individuals	Blind individuals
Monthly limit	$1,470	$2,460
Yearly limit	$17,640	$29,520

The SSA reviews the SGA limits each year and adjusts them based on changes in the cost of living.

Determining SGA Eligibility in 2025

Step 1: Determining Your Income

To determine your eligibility for SGA in 2025, you will need to calculate your monthly income. This includes any earnings from employment as well as any other income, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, or investments. All income, including money earned from a spouse, must be counted.

Step 2: Comparing Your Income to the SGA Limit

Once you have determined your monthly income, you will need to compare it to the SGA limit established for 2025. The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,470.00 for individuals and $2,460.00 for blind individuals. If your monthly income exceeds these limits, you will not be eligible for SGA.

Year	SGA Limit for Individuals	SGA Limit for Blind Individuals
2025	$1,470.00	$2,460.00

Step 3: Considering Other Factors

In addition to your income, there are other factors that can affect your eligibility for SGA. These factors include your age, education, and work experience. For example, if you are over the age of 55 and have a high school diploma, you may be able to earn more than the SGA limit without losing your eligibility for benefits.

Updated SGA Thresholds

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) thresholds for 2025 have been updated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These thresholds determine whether an individual with a disability can earn enough income to be considered as having SGA.

For individuals who are blind, the SGA threshold for 2025 is $2,460 per month. For individuals who are not blind, the SGA threshold is $1,470 per month.

If an individual’s earnings exceed the SGA threshold for their disability status, they may be considered to be engaging in SGA and may lose their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

It’s important to note that the SGA thresholds are adjusted annually based on the cost of living. The SSA publishes the updated thresholds each year in the Federal Register.

Trial Work Period

Individuals who receive SSDI benefits are allowed to participate in a Trial Work Period (TWP). During the TWP, they can earn income above the SGA threshold without losing their benefits. The TWP lasts for up to nine months over a rolling five-year period.

If an individual exceeds the SGA threshold during the TWP, their benefits will be suspended but not terminated. If they remain above the SGA threshold for a period of 36 consecutive months, their benefits will be terminated.

Extended Period of Eligibility

Individuals who have worked for a significant amount of time before becoming disabled may be eligible for an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) after their TWP ends. During the EPE, they can earn income above the SGA threshold for up to 36 consecutive months without losing their benefits.

To qualify for the EPE, an individual must have earned at least $5,000 in each of the five years preceding the onset of their disability.

Earning Limits and Work Incentives

Earning limits determine the amount of income you can earn from work while receiving SSDI benefits without losing your eligibility. These limits are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the average wage index.

In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for individuals who are not blind is projected to be $1,750 per month. For individuals who are blind, the SGA limit is projected to be $2,460 per month.

Work Incentives

Work incentives are programs that help SSDI beneficiaries gradually return to work without losing their benefits. These programs include:

Ticket to Work (TTW) program: Allows beneficiaries to receive certain services from approved employment networks (ENs) to help them prepare for and find work.
Trial Work Period (TWP): Allows beneficiaries to work at a level above the SGA limit for up to 12 months during a 60-month period without losing benefits.
Extended Period of Earned Income (EPE): Allows beneficiaries to continue receiving benefits for up to 36 months after their TWP ends if they continue to work at a level above the SGA limit.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Deduction from earnings for expenses related to the beneficiary’s impairment that are necessary for work.
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): Allows beneficiaries to set aside income for expenses related to achieving a work goal, such as education or job training.

Reporting Changes in Earnings

If your earnings change, you must report the change to Social Security within 30 days. You can do this by calling the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by going online to the SSA website.

When you report a change in earnings, you will need to provide the following information:

Your Social Security number
Your name and address
The date of the change in earnings
The amount of your new earnings

Consequences of Not Reporting a Change in Earnings

If you do not report a change in earnings to the SSA within 30 days, you may be penalized. The SSA may reduce or stop your benefits if you do not report a change in earnings.

Earning Limits for 2025

The SSA has set earning limits for 2025. If you earn more than the earning limit, your benefits may be reduced or stopped.

Disability Category	Monthly Earning Limit	Yearly Earning Limit
Blindness	$2,460	$29,520
Disability	$1,470	$17,640

If you are unsure whether or not your earnings exceed the earning limit, you can contact the SSA for assistance.

Reporting Changes in Earnings for SSDI Recipients

If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must report any changes in your earnings to the SSA within 30 days.

There are several ways to report a change in earnings for SSDI recipients:

By calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
By going online to the SSA website
By mailing a change of earnings report to the SSA

You can find more information about reporting changes in earnings for SSDI recipients on the SSA website.

Impact of inflation on SGA Levels

Inflation can erode the purchasing power of individuals, including those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). As the cost of living rises, the Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels to ensure that individuals with disabilities maintain access to essential resources.

What is SGA?

SGA refers to the amount of income that an individual with a disability can earn from work while still receiving SSDI benefits. The SSA sets different SGA levels for blind individuals and non-blind individuals each year.

Impact of Inflation on SGA Levels

Inflation can impact SGA levels in several ways:

Increased cost of living: As the cost of living increases, the SSA may raise SGA levels to ensure that individuals with disabilities can afford essential expenses.
Erosion of purchasing power: If SGA levels do not keep pace with inflation, individuals with disabilities may experience a decline in their purchasing power, making it more difficult to cover basic needs.
Access to benefits: Individuals who earn above the SGA level may lose their SSDI benefits, which can have a significant impact on their financial stability.

SSA Adjustments to SGA Levels

To mitigate the impact of inflation, the SSA typically adjusts SGA levels annually. These adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The CPI-W measures the change in the average price of a basket of goods and services purchased by urban wage earners and clerical workers.

2025 SGA Levels

The SSA has not yet announced the official SGA levels for 2025. However, based on historical trends and the current rate of inflation, it is likely that the SGA levels will increase in 2025.

Year	Non-Blind SGA Level	Blind SGA Level
2022	$1,350	$2,260
2023	$1,470	$2,460
2024	$1,570	$2,640
2025*	$1,690 (estimated)	$2,830 (estimated)

*Estimated based on CPI-W projections.

SGA and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). The program provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income or resources. SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

In order to be eligible for SSI, you must meet certain income and resource requirements. For 2023, the SSI income limit is $1,913 per month for individuals and $2,827 per month for couples. The SSI resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Income and resources are counted differently under SSI than under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Counting Income

Under SSI, income is counted differently than under SSDI. Some types of income that are not counted under SSDI are counted under SSI. For example, SSI counts unearned income, such as Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits, and veterans benefits. SSI also counts earned income, such as wages, self-employment income, and tips. However, SSI does not count all of your earned income. Only the amount of your earned income that is above the SGA level is counted.

Counting Resources

SSI also counts resources differently than SSDI. Resources are things that you own, such as cash, stocks, bonds, and real estate. SSI counts all of your resources, except for certain things that are excluded. For example, SSI does not count your home, your car, and your personal belongings. SSI also does not count resources that you use to produce income, such as tools and equipment.

SGA Income Limits

The SGA income limit is the amount of income that you can earn and still be eligible for SSI. The SGA income limit is different for individuals and couples. For 2023, the SGA income limit is $1,913 per month for individuals and $2,827 per month for couples.

If you earn more than the SGA income limit, you will not be eligible for SSI. However, you may still be eligible for other Social Security benefits, such as SSDI.

Impact of Work on SSI Benefits

If you are receiving SSI benefits and you start working, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. This is because SSI benefits are based on your income and resources. If you earn more money, your SSI benefits will be reduced. If you earn more than the SGA income limit, your SSI benefits will be stopped.

However, there are some ways to work and still receive SSI benefits. For example, you may be able to participate in a work incentive program.

SGA Income Limits
2023	$1,913
2024	$2,190
2025	$2,460

Resources for individuals with SSDI

Vocational Rehabilitation

This program can help people with disabilities find and keep jobs. It offers services such as job training, counseling, and support. To find a vocational rehabilitation office near you, visit the website: https://www.choosework.ssa.gov/locator

Ticket to Work

This program allows people with disabilities to use their Social Security benefits to pay for work-related expenses, such as transportation, training, and job search assistance. For more information, visit the website: https://www.ssa.gov/work/ticket

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

This program provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. To learn more about SSI, visit the website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi

Medicare

This program provides health insurance to people with disabilities who are under the age of 65. For more information, visit the website: https://www.medicare.gov

Medicaid

This program provides health insurance to people with disabilities who are low-income. To learn more about Medicaid, visit the website: https://www.medicaid.gov

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

This program provides monthly benefits to people who are unable to work due to a disability. To learn more about SSDI, visit the website: https://www.ssa.gov/disability

Other Programs

There are a number of other programs that can provide assistance to people with disabilities. These programs include:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Additional Resources

The following websites provide additional information and resources for people with disabilities:

Future Trends in SGA Determination

1. SGA Level Adjustments for Inflation

The SGA level is adjusted annually to account for inflation. In recent years, the SGA level has increased by approximately 3% per year. This trend is expected to continue in the future.

2. Use of Technology to Monitor Work Activities

The SSA is increasingly using technology to monitor work activities. This includes using video surveillance, GPS tracking, and data mining. The use of technology is expected to increase in the future, as it allows the SSA to better monitor work activities and determine whether an individual is performing SGA.

3. Increased Focus on Work Incentives

The SSA is increasingly focusing on work incentives to encourage individuals with disabilities to work. These work incentives include the Ticket to Work program, the SSI Work Incentive Program (WINS), and the Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) deduction. The SSA is expected to continue to expand and enhance these work incentives in the future.

4. More Flexible SGA Regulations

The SSA is considering making SGA regulations more flexible. This could include allowing individuals to earn more money from certain types of work, such as self-employment or part-time work. The SSA is also considering making it easier for individuals to transition from SSI to SSDI.

5. Use of Real-World Evidence

The SSA is increasingly using real-world evidence to determine whether an individual is performing SGA. This includes using data from the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) own records, as well as data from other sources, such as the Census Bureau and the Department of Labor. The use of real-world evidence is expected to increase in the future, as it provides the SSA with a more accurate picture of an individual’s work activities.

6. Focus on Functional Capacity

The SSA is increasingly focusing on an individual’s functional capacity when determining whether they are performing SGA. Functional capacity refers to an individual’s ability to perform work-related activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, and lifting. The SSA is expected to continue to focus on functional capacity in the future, as it provides a more accurate assessment of an individual’s ability to work.

7. Use of Vocational Experts

The SSA is increasingly using vocational experts to assess an individual’s ability to work. Vocational experts are experts in the field of vocational rehabilitation. They can provide the SSA with valuable insights into an individual’s ability to perform work-related activities. The use of vocational experts is expected to increase in the future, as they provide the SSA with a more objective assessment of an individual’s ability to work.

8. Increased Emphasis on Functional Impairments

The SSA is increasingly emphasizing functional impairments when determining whether an individual is performing SGA. Functional impairments are impairments that affect an individual’s ability to perform work-related activities. The SSA is expected to continue to emphasize functional impairments in the future, as they provide a more accurate assessment of an individual’s ability to work.

9. Use of Medical-Vocational Grids

The SSA uses medical-vocational grids to determine whether an individual is performing SGA. The medical-vocational grids are a set of rules that take into account an individual’s age, education, work experience, and functional impairments. The SSA is expected to continue to use the medical-vocational grids in the future, as they provide a structured and objective way to determine whether an individual is performing SGA.

10. Decentralization of SGA Determination

The SSA is considering decentralizing SGA determination. This would allow local SSA offices to make SGA determinations. The SSA is expected to continue to explore decentralization in the future, as it could improve the efficiency and accuracy of SGA determination.

Program	Website
Vocational Rehabilitation	https://www.choosework.ssa.gov/locator
Ticket to Work	https://www.ssa.gov/work/ticket
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)	https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
Medicare	https://www.medicare.gov
Medicaid	https://www.medicaid.gov

Year	SGA Level
2022	$1,350
2023	$1,470
2024	$1,540
2025	$1,620

SSDI SGA Limit: Changes Coming in 2025

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is set to increase in 2025. This change will impact individuals receiving SSDI as well as those applying for benefits.

The SGA limit refers to the amount of earnings an individual can receive while still being considered disabled and eligible for SSDI benefits. For 2023, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for individuals without blind status and $2,460 for individuals with blind status. Starting in 2025, these limits will be permanently indexed to inflation, ensuring they keep pace with the cost of living.

This change is significant because it will allow SSDI beneficiaries to earn more income without losing their benefits. It aligns with efforts to promote work incentives and economic self-sufficiency among individuals with disabilities.

5 Ways to Prove Substantial Gainful Activity in 2025

Featured Image: [Image of a person working at a desk with a computer]

In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement a new definition of substantial gainful activity (SGA). This change will have a significant impact on individuals who are receiving or applying for Social Security disability benefits. Under the new definition, SGA will be defined as earning more than $1,470 per month for individuals who are not blind, and $2,460 per month for individuals who are blind. This represents a significant increase from the current SGA levels of $1,350 and $2,260, respectively.

The new SGA definition is intended to reflect the rising cost of living and the increasing complexity of the workforce. The SSA believes that the current SGA levels are too low and that they do not accurately reflect the amount of income that individuals need to earn in order to live independently. The new definition is designed to ensure that individuals who are receiving Social Security disability benefits are able to meet their basic needs and maintain a reasonable standard of living.

The SSA is aware that the new SGA definition will have a significant impact on some individuals. The agency is providing a number of resources to help individuals understand the changes and to prepare for the implementation of the new definition. These resources include online information, fact sheets, and webinars. The SSA is also working with community organizations to provide outreach and education to individuals who are affected by the changes. The SSA is committed to ensuring that the transition to the new SGA definition is smooth and that individuals who are receiving Social Security disability benefits continue to receive the support that they need.

SGA in the Digital Age: Implications for Social Security Benefits

Emerging Trends in Digital Work and the Implications for Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The rise of the digital age has led to significant shifts in the workforce, with a growing number of individuals engaging in work through online platforms and remote work arrangements. These trends have profound implications for the determination of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) under the Social Security Administration (SSA).

One key implication is the blurring of traditional work boundaries. With the advent of remote work and digital platforms, individuals can now perform work from anywhere, at any time. This flexibility can make it more challenging for the SSA to assess whether an individual is engaged in SGA, as the traditional measures of hours worked and physical presence in a workplace may no longer apply.

Another implication is the emergence of new forms of income. Digital platforms offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals to generate income, from online freelancing to e-commerce. The SSA must adapt its SGA guidelines to encompass these diverse sources of income and ensure that individuals who rely on digital work are fairly assessed for benefits.

The table below summarizes the key challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age for the determination of SGA:

Challenges	Opportunities
Blurring of work boundaries	Increased flexibility for individuals
Emergence of new forms of income	Enhancement of economic opportunities
Difficulty in assessing hours worked	Potential for more accurate assessment of functional capacity

The Changing Definition of Substantial Gainful Activity

The definition of substantial gainful activity (SGA) has changed over time. In 1996, the Social Security Administration (SSA) revised the definition of SGA to include both earnings and unearned income. The SSA also increased the SGA limit, which is the maximum amount of income that a person can earn and still be considered disabled. The SSA further revised the definition of SGA in 2006 to include income from self-employment.

Employment Support Programs in SSA

The SSA provides a variety of employment support programs to help people with disabilities return to work. These programs include:

The Ticket to Work program provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who want to go to work.
The Supported Employment program provides job training and support to people with disabilities who are able to work with some support.
The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program provides counseling and support to people with disabilities who are considering going to work.

Additional Resources for People with Disabilities

There are a number of resources available to help people with disabilities find employment. These resources include:

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information about job accommodations and assistive technology.
The National Council on Disability (NCD) advocates for the rights of people with disabilities.
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) provides funding for vocational rehabilitation services.

SGA Thresholds and Their Impact on Work Incentives

Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is an important concept in Social Security disability benefits. SGA refers to the amount of income a person with a disability can earn and still be considered to be disabled for the purpose of receiving benefits. In 2025, the SGA thresholds for blind and disabled workers will increase due to changes in the cost of living.

Impact of SGA Thresholds on Work Incentives

The SGA thresholds have a significant impact on the work incentives for people with disabilities. When a person’s earnings exceed the SGA threshold, they may lose their disability benefits. This can create a disincentive for people to work and can make it difficult for them to achieve financial independence.

SGA Thresholds for 2025

The SGA thresholds for 2025 are as follows:

Category	SGA Threshold
Blind	$2,820 per month ($33,840 per year)
Disabled	$1,620 per month ($19,440 per year)

These thresholds apply to individuals who are not blind and who are under the age of 65. For individuals who are blind or who are aged 65 or older, the SGA thresholds are higher.

Technological Advancements and the Future of SGA

AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are rapidly changing the workplace, and their impact on SGA is likely to be significant. AI-powered systems can automate many tasks that are currently performed by humans, freeing up workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks. This could lead to a decrease in the number of jobs that qualify as SGA, as well as a shift in the types of jobs that are available.

Remote Work and Flexible Schedules

The rise of remote work and flexible schedules is another trend that is likely to have a major impact on SGA. With more people working from home or on flexible schedules, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine when someone is engaged in SGA. This could make it more difficult for individuals to qualify for disability benefits.

The Gig Economy

The gig economy, in which workers perform short-term or freelance work, is another trend that is likely to affect SGA. Gig workers often have irregular income and may not be able to prove that they are earning enough to meet SGA requirements. This could make it difficult for Gig workers to qualify for disability benefits.

The Future of SGA

It is still too early to say exactly how technological advancements will impact SGA. However, it is clear that these trends are likely to have a significant effect on the way that SGA is defined and implemented. The Social Security Administration will need to adapt its policies to keep pace with these changes.

Trend	Potential Impact on SGA
AI and Automation	Decrease in the number of jobs that qualify as SGA
Remote Work and Flexible Schedules	Difficulty in determining when someone is engaged in SGA
The Gig Economy	Difficulty for gig workers to qualify for disability benefits

Medical Advancements and the Definition of Disability

Medical breakthroughs are constantly expanding the possibilities for individuals with disabilities. As a result, the definition of disability is evolving to reflect these advances.

Improved Medical Technology

Advancements in medical technology, such as prosthetics, hearing aids, and assistive devices, are enabling people with disabilities to overcome physical barriers and participate more fully in society.

Increased Access to Treatment

Improved access to healthcare has led to earlier diagnosis and treatment of disabilities, resulting in improved outcomes and functional abilities for individuals with impairments.

Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy

Regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy hold promise for repairing damaged tissues and restoring function in individuals with disabilities. These therapies could potentially reverse or mitigate the effects of certain impairments.

Precision Medicine

Precision medicine allows for tailored treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup and specific condition. This approach can optimize outcomes and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Changing Societal Attitudes

As medical advancements continue to expand the capabilities of individuals with disabilities, societal attitudes towards disability are also evolving. People are becoming more aware of the abilities and contributions of individuals with impairments, leading to greater acceptance and inclusion.

Medical Advancement	Impact on Definition of Disability
Prosthetics	Improved physical function, reduced limitations
Assistive Devices	Increased independence, enhanced cognitive abilities
Regenerative Medicine	Potential for reversing or mitigating impairments
Precision Medicine	Tailored treatments, improved outcomes
Changing Societal Attitudes	Greater acceptance and inclusion of individuals with disabilities

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in SGA Determination

1. Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various aspects of healthcare, including disability determination. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the SGA determination process.

2. Automating Data Collection

AI can automate the collection of data relevant to SGA, such as work history, earnings, and medical records. This data can be extracted from various sources, including online databases, social media, and medical imaging.

3. Identifying Functional Limitations

AI algorithms can analyze medical data, such as imaging studies and laboratory results, to identify functional limitations that may affect an individual’s ability to work. These algorithms can use machine learning to detect patterns and generate predictions.

4. Assessing Work Capacity

Based on the collected data, AI can assess an individual’s work capacity and determine if they can perform substantial gainful activity. This assessment involves evaluating the severity of functional limitations, work experience, and vocational factors.

5. Detecting Fraud

AI can assist in detecting fraudulent SGA claims by identifying inconsistencies in data or patterns that deviate from expected norms. Machine learning algorithms can analyze large datasets and detect anomalies, helping to prevent misuse of the SGA program.

6. Enhancing Collaboration and Communication

AI platforms can facilitate collaboration between medical professionals, case workers, and individuals seeking SGA determination. They can provide secure access to shared records, enable virtual meetings, and automate communications, improving the efficiency and transparency of the process.

Benefits of AI in SGA Determination
Improved accuracy and efficiency
Reduced subjectivity
Increased consistency
Fraud detection
Enhanced collaboration

SGA and Remote Work: New Challenges and Opportunities

A Changing Landscape

As remote work becomes increasingly common, the definition of “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) is evolving. In 2025, SGA will remain an important determinant of eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, the way SGA is measured may change to account for the unique challenges and opportunities presented by remote work.

Measuring Income for SGA

Currently, SGA is calculated using a monthly income threshold. In 2025, this threshold could be adjusted to reflect the rising cost of living and the potential impact of remote work on earnings.

For individuals performing remote work, income may be earned from multiple sources, including self-employment, contract work, and online platforms. To ensure fair and accurate measurement of SGA, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may need to develop new guidelines for calculating income from these sources.

Non-Traditional Forms of Work

Remote work can also involve non-traditional forms of employment, such as gig work and freelance work. These types of employment may not always fit neatly into the current definition of SGA. The SSA may need to consider expanding the definition to include these non-traditional forms of work or develop separate criteria for determining SGA in these situations.

Increased Flexibility

Remote work can offer increased flexibility, allowing individuals to work from any location and set their own schedules. This flexibility could have a positive impact on individuals with disabilities who are able to work from home or adjust their work hours to accommodate their health conditions.

Accessibility Challenges

However, remote work can also present accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities who require specialized equipment or accommodations. The SSA may need to consider providing additional support or resources to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to remote work opportunities.

Employer Considerations

Employers should be aware of the evolving definition of SGA and its potential impact on remote workers. Employers may need to adjust their hiring and accommodation practices to ensure that they are meeting the needs of workers with disabilities in a remote work environment.

Potential Changes in the Medical-Vocational Grid

The SSA uses the Medical-Vocational Grid to determine the availability of jobs for individuals with disabilities. Remote work could impact the grid by expanding the range of jobs available to individuals who are unable to perform physical labor or travel to a traditional workplace.

SGA Income Thresholds by Age in 2025
Age 18 or older and blind	$2,700
Age 18 or older and not blind	$1,660

SGA for Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions

For individuals with chronic health conditions, the SGA determination is particularly complex. The SSA considers various factors, including:

The severity of the condition
The impact of the condition on the individual’s ability to work
The availability of treatments or accommodations
The individual’s age and education
The individual’s work history
The individual’s motivation and ability to work
The availability of other sources of income
The individual’s overall health and well-being

If an individual with a chronic health condition can demonstrate that they cannot engage in SGA, they may be eligible for disability benefits. However, the SSA may also consider the following factors when making this determination:

Factor	Explanation
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)	The individual’s ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, or lifting
Age and Education	Individuals over the age of 50 or with a limited education may be considered disabled more easily
Medical Evidence	The individual must provide medical documentation of their condition and its impact on their ability to work
Vocational Evidence	The individual may need to provide evidence that they have attempted to work but have been unable to sustain employment due to their condition

The Intersection of SGA and Mental Health Conditions

The determination of SGA for individuals with mental health conditions requires a comprehensive assessment of their functional limitations. The SSA considers various factors, including the severity and nature of the impairment, its impact on work performance, and the individual’s ability to withstand the demands of SGA.

The SSA’s guidelines provide a framework for evaluating mental health conditions that may impact SGA. These guidelines consider the following:

Severity of the impairment: The degree to which the mental health condition affects the individual’s ability to work.
Nature of the impairment: The specific symptoms and characteristics of the mental health condition.
Impact on work performance: How the mental health condition affects the individual’s ability to perform essential job functions.

li>Ability to withstand the demands of SGA: The individual’s capacity to sustain work activity over an extended period.

Subsections:

1. Types of Mental Health Conditions

The SSA recognizes a wide range of mental health conditions that may impact SGA, including:

Condition	Description
Depression	Prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness
Anxiety disorders	Excessive worry and fear
Schizophrenia	Disorganized thinking and impaired reality perception
Bipolar disorder	Episodes of mania and depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)	Symptoms triggered by exposure to traumatic events

Strategies for Maximizing Work Incentives While Maintaining SGA Status

To ensure you continue receiving SSI benefits, it’s important to stay within the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) income limits. Here are some strategies to help you maximize your work incentives and maintain SGA status:

1. Understand the SGA Limit

In 2023, the SGA limit for individuals is $1,910 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals). If your earnings exceed this amount, you may lose your SSI benefits.

2. Use Work Incentives Programs

Social Security offers several work incentives programs, such as the Trial Work Period, Extended Period of Eligibility, and Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE) deduction, which can help you earn more without affecting your benefits.

3. Choose a Job with Flexible Hours

Consider jobs with flexible hours or work-from-home options to accommodate your limitations or medical appointments.

4. Explore Supported Employment Programs

Supported employment programs provide job training, placement, and on-the-job support for individuals with disabilities.

5. Work Gradually

Start by working part-time or in small increments to avoid exceeding the SGA limit and gradually increase your hours as your ability permits.

6. Consider Self-Employment

Self-employment can offer greater flexibility and control over your work hours and income.

7. Use Employer Tax Credits

Employers may be eligible for tax credits if they hire individuals with disabilities, offering you an increased chance of employment.

8. Explore Assistive Technology

Assistive technology devices or software can help you perform job tasks more efficiently and reduce your limitations.

9. Seek Employer Accommodations

Don’t hesitate to request reasonable accommodations from your employer to support your ability to work.

10. Plan for the Future

Create a plan to sustain your work efforts and navigate potential changes in your income or medical condition to avoid losing SSI benefits.

Work Incentive Programs	Benefits
Trial Work Period	Nine-month trial period during which SSI benefits continue despite earnings above SGA
Extended Period of Eligibility	Provides up to 36 months of continued SSI benefits after the Trial Work Period, even if earnings exceed SGA
Impairment-Related Work Expense Deduction	Deduction from earnings for expenses related to your disability that allow you to work

Substantial Gainful Activity 2025

As part of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) ongoing efforts to modernize its programs, the agency is proposing changes to the definition of substantial gainful activity (SGA) for the purpose of determining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The proposed changes, which would be effective in 2025, are intended to reflect the changing nature of work and the increasing prevalence of part-time and remote work arrangements.

Under the current definition of SGA, an individual is considered to be engaged in SGA if they earn more than a certain amount of money per month. The amount of money that constitutes SGA is adjusted each year based on the national average wage index. For 2023, the SGA limit for individuals who are not blind or disabled is $1,470 per month. For individuals who are blind or disabled, the SGA limit is $2,460 per month.

The SSA is proposing to change the definition of SGA in two ways. First, the agency is proposing to increase the SGA limit for individuals who are not blind or disabled to $1,620 per month. Second, the agency is proposing to create a new SGA limit for individuals who are blind or disabled of $2,760 per month. These proposed changes would reflect the increasing prevalence of part-time and remote work arrangements, which can make it more difficult for individuals with disabilities to earn enough money to meet the current SGA limit.